Graduate Certificate in Catholic Studies

Course information for - 2025 entry
Domestic
  • Domestic

Offered at 2 locations
  • Melbourne
  • Online MT

Duration
0.5 year full-time or equivalent part-time
Fees (first year)*

$8904 Fee-paying

Start dates
Semester 1 intake: Beginning February 2025
Applications open August 2024
Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Beginning July 2025
Applications open April 2025

Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Catholic Studies is designed to help you develop an understanding of the theological concepts that are fundamental to the Catholic faith, and the core principles and practices for teaching religious education. The course was developed in consultation with the Catholic education sector to meet the specific requirements for accreditation to teach religious education in Catholic schools, in accordance with the existing Catholic Education Commission Victoria (CECV) Accreditation Policy.

Accreditation requirements differ locally and we recommend you check requirements with your local diocese.

Careers

Our graduates have pursued careers in:

  • Education and Teaching

Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Commencing Semester 1 - Full-time

  • Pathway 1 Specified UnitsTHBS562Introducing the Scriptures10 cp
  • Theology UnitsTHCT564 Introducing Church Life ORNew Evangelisation UnitsEDNE600 Faith Formation and the New Evangelisation

    For EDNE600 - this unit may also be offered in nonstandard study periods.

    10 cp
  • Pathway 1 Specified UnitsEDRE526Introducing Religious Education

    In exceptional circumstances, for online enrolments, the Course Co-Ordinator may approve substitution of EDRE544-Change and Continuity in Religious Education or EDRE516-Learning and Teaching for Religious Education, for this unit.

    10 cp
  • Theology UnitsTHCT563 Introducing Theology ORNew Evangelisation UnitsEDNE601 Creating Centres of the New Evangelisation Catholic Schools Parishes and Church Ministries

    For EDNE601 - this unit may also be offered in nonstandard study periods.

    10 cp

Commencing Semester 1 - Part-time

Graduate statement

Insight

As an ACU graduate you have personal insight founded on an understanding of who you are as a professional, a citizen and a scholar. You embrace change and growth through critical self-awareness and learning autonomy. You are empowered to seek truth and meaning, drawing on the principles of justice, equity, and the dignity of all human beings.

Empathy

As an ACU graduate you value human dignity and diversity. This appreciation is founded on deep reflection, and empathy. You have experience of Indigenous Knowings and perspectives and can engage respectfully when working alongside Australia's First Peoples. You can connect with people and cultures and work with community in ways that recognise the dignity of the human person and all cultures

Imagination

As an ACU graduate you utilise imagination and innovation to solve problems. You critically analyse information from a range of sources to creatively solve practical problems and use critical thinking to make decisions and advance the common good. You appreciate the role of innovation and creative thinking in developing a better future for each person and community.

Impact

As an ACU graduate you recognise your responsibility to work for social justice and a sustainable world founded on a commitment to human dignity and the common good. You lead change through respectful collaboration and effective communication of ideas to diverse peoples, groups and communities in local and global contexts. You are empowered to positively impact your profession and the community.

AQF framework

Graduate Certificate - AQF Level 8

Entry requirements

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed a Bachelor degree or an equivalent and recognised teaching qualification.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.

Applicants with higher education study

You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course. 

If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, we’ll assign you with a new selection rank that reflects your study level, duration, and grade point average.

If your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you may be able to complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe.

You can use our credit search tool to see what you might be eligible for. For more information about credit and recognition of prior learning at ACU, follow the link below.

Search our credit database

Learn more about recognition of prior learning

Inherent requirement

There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.

Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you

Fees

Course costs

Average first year fee*

$8904 Fee-paying

Payment options

You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support. 

Explore your options 

Scholarships

You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.  

Search our scholarships  

How to apply

Domestic applicants

Direct application

Apply now

Deferment

Deferment is available for one year. Cohorts will need to check with their sponsoring body for approval to defer. Find out more about deferment.

 

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